day 31

[nsd_user663_35168]

am getting there, still getting cravings, on two packets of chewing gum a day but still of the cigs, one of our drivers was smoking yesterday and i didnt notice, got a wiff of his burning cigarette and nearly spewed , must be a good sign

[nsd_user663_33894]

Go billybob, one month in the bag :D, well done!

I still like the smell of fresh smoke, but it doesn't make me want one thankfully.

[nsd_user663_35168]

thanks for support jen, its the first time ive not liked the smell of cigarette smoke, was working today and mechanic was smoking and liked the smell so must have been a one of, but still going well , willpower is 100% , and enjoying being able to breath properly for the first time in 23 years

[nsd_user663_32615]

Well done Billy

Getting that first month out of the way is fantastic. Once I had reached that point, I felt that there were no excuses anymore - if I smoke again, it's because I choose to smoke again, and I only have myself to blame.

Those cravings will get weaker and weaker from here - just watch out for the occassional "biggie" just when you least expect it!

Keep it up.

[nsd_user663_35168]

thanks mrs t , how do you mean the occasional biggie? i get cravings from anything from 5 minutes to an hour , and the times change alot, for couple of days was first thing in the morning now its around 8pm at night

[nsd_user663_32615]

thanks mrs t , how do you mean the occasional biggie? i get cravings from anything from 5 minutes to an hour , and the times change alot, for couple of days was first thing in the morning now its around 8pm at night

There are probably others who can explain this better than me, but I can tell you what my experience has been, from this quit and previous (i.e. failed:()ones.

In your first few weeks, you know when you are craving. And you know to expect it. After a while, these "real" craves start to subside, and come along less frequently. As time goes on, they are not really craves at all - more like "wants", and you become quite good at dealing with them.

You reach a point where you start to feel more comfortable with not smoking, and more confident about your ability to remain a non-smoker. This is when you can get caught out. It may come about because of circumstances - a drunken, celebratory night out, a blazing row with your other half, a relaxing holiday or a particularly tough time at work. Whatever triggers it, you are momentarily unprepared, and suddenly find that you have lost that discipline that has carried you through so far. It may come in the form of "just one won't hurt..." or it could be "I simply don't care - quitting doesn't matter to me anymore". Either way, your mind has suddenly switched and you find yourself granting permission for that first ciggarette.

My advice is to look at some of the postings in months 3/4/5 and look how many people have been caught in this trap. Track those same people back a few weeks before their lapse, and you will probably see posts where they were celebrating their latest milestone and saying "never again". These people weren't stupid (though many say they were at the time). They are nictonine junkies, just like me. Above all else, what I am trying to hold on to this time is the need to remain vigilant in the long term. I couldn't face going through all of this again.

Hope that this helps.

[nsd_user663_34154]

<snip>Above all else, what I am trying to hold on to this time is the need to remain vigilant in the long term. I couldn't face going through all of this again.

That's very good advice, Mrs T. I have no intention of quitting again either!

And having sailed though the first month with relative ease, your advice is something that I should remember.

I bought my first Christmas presents today (Don't say it, I know!) and I was just imaging how it would be without frequent, sanity-saving trips to the back garden for moments of peace and quiet!

[nsd_user663_35351]

There are probably others who can explain this better than me, but I can tell you what my experience has been, from this quit and previous (i.e. failed:()ones.

In your first few weeks, you know when you are craving. And you know to expect it. After a while, these "real" craves start to subside, and come along less frequently. As time goes on, they are not really craves at all - more like "wants", and you become quite good at dealing with them.

You reach a point where you start to feel more comfortable with not smoking, and more confident about your ability to remain a non-smoker. This is when you can get caught out. It may come about because of circumstances - a drunken, celebratory night out, a blazing row with your other half, a relaxing holiday or a particularly tough time at work. Whatever triggers it, you are momentarily unprepared, and suddenly find that you have lost that discipline that has carried you through so far. It may come in the form of "just one won't hurt..." or it could be "I simply don't care - quitting doesn't matter to me anymore". Either way, your mind has suddenly switched and you find yourself granting permission for that first ciggarette.

My advice is to look at some of the postings in months 3/4/5 and look how many people have been caught in this trap. Track those same people back a few weeks before their lapse, and you will probably see posts where they were celebrating their latest milestone and saying "never again". These people weren't stupid (though many say they were at the time). They are nictonine junkies, just like me. Above all else, what I am trying to hold on to this time is the need to remain vigilant in the long term. I couldn't face going through all of this again.

Hope that this helps.

Great post Mrs T,

I am now onto day 32 and feeling very strong but I am being very cautious and I am trying to make myself aware of future blips or potential stumbling blocks so when I have to face them I will be able to make sure I remain strong.

Cheers

Mark

[nsd_user663_34721]

MrsT

What you say is so true however I think alot has to be said about the way one goes about quitting.

It not just quitting it's a complete CHANGE of lifestyle as well as mindset!

Like anything in life:

Some people say and I quote "I have fixed the door, umm err just dont slam it"

Me "I have fixed the door! please slam it as hard as you can, I wanna see if I have fixed it properly"

I have pushed my quit to the MAX allowed and encouraged people to smoke around me, even went and stood with them when they smoked.

Allowed me "Dearest" mum in law to smoke in my car today.

Went out for dinner and drinks and sat in the SMOKING section.

I have made sure there is temptation everystep of the way HOPING I will now never be tempted to smoke again

it seems to have worked for me i wont say it easy but it seems to have worked.

Stay Strong